Breast Reduction

Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is an umbrella term for a number of surgical procedures that are available from Dr. Charles Slack at his Allen, Texas plastic surgery practice for patients in Plano, McKinney, and the surrounding communities. Breast reductions can remove and reduce excess breast fat, glandular tissue, and skin.

Cosmetic Surgery of the Breast

Dr. Slack’s past fellowship, extensive training and experience in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast have given him an excellent foundation for dealing with breast reduction issues. He is acutely aware that every patient is unique and that a breast reduction may be appropriate for a number of reasons, such as when a woman has any of the following characteristics:

  • breasts that are simply too large for her frame,
  • breasts that do not match in size, volume, or contour,
  • back, shoulder, or neck pain from the weight of her breasts,
  • breasts that limit her physical activity,
  • breasts that have stretched and hang low due to breastfeeding, pregnancy, or weight loss,
  • enlarged areolas (the colored area around the nipple) from stretched skin,
  • nipples that rest below the breast crease (when unsupported), and
  • signs such as skin irritation beneath the breast crease and indentations from bra straps.

What Issues Can Large Breasts Cause?

Overly large breasts can cause health problems in some women, emotional problems in others, and both physical and emotional issues for many women. Dr. Slack provides skilled surgery and compassionate care for all of his patients.
Dr. Slack has found that breast reduction procedures make for some of the most gratifying cases for both patient and surgeon.

Candidates for Breast Reduction

A woman who feels that a breast reduction or related surgery may be right for her can schedule a consultation with Dr. Slack. He will discuss the woman’s goals, concerns, and expectations in depth with her regarding breast reduction, and he will explain the benefits and risks of this surgery.

An individual with one or more of the above-listed reasons to seek a breast reduction may be an appropriate candidate, if in addition she:

  • is in good physical health
  • is at her ideal weight or close to it
  • is old enough that her breasts are fully developed
  • has realistic expectations
  • does not smoke or is prepared to quit smoking at least two weeks before the surgery

How is Breast Reduction Performed?

Dr. Slack will be able to give you much more detailed information that is pertinent to your specific surgery—particularly the specific technique and incisions to be used—at your consultation with him. A general idea of how breast reduction is achieved is as follows.

General anesthesia is used. The incision options include the following:

  • an inverted “T” or anchor-shaped incision pattern or
  • a keyhole pattern with an incision around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease.

The breast’s nipple and areola usually remain attached to their blood supply and nerves but may have to be completely removed and replaced as a skin graft in very large pendulous breasts. Large areola are routinely reduced during a breast reduction.

Is Liposuction Needed?

For some patients, excess fat in the breast or lateral chest is removed through liposuction. The breast’s excess underlying tissue is removed, and the remaining tissue is lifted and shaped.

What Will Scarring Be Like?

Once the breast is at its final size, shape, and position, the incision or incisions are closed with sutures deep within the breast tissue for support. Symmetry of the two breasts will be assured. Additional sutures, surgical tape, or adhesive help close the incisions. The incision marks remain as scars, but these will fade with time and are usually well concealed beneath a bra.

What To Expect During Recovery

A woman can expect to have some post-breast reduction swelling and soreness, but the results of her breast reduction will be immediately apparent. She will need to take it easy for a week or so. Dr. Slack provides complete post-surgery guidelines plus a prescription for pain medication that may or may not be needed.

At follow-up appointments (scheduled before the breast reduction), Dr. Slack carefully monitors a patient’s recovery, including her physical status and her feelings about her new bustline.

The results of a breast reduction are essentially permanent, but they can be negated by significant weight gain, age, pregnancy and hormonal factors.

Ask Dr. Slack about a Breast Reduction in Plano and McKinney, Texas

Women who have undergone a breast reduction from Dr. Slack have uniformly been very happy with their new contours and proportions. If you feel that a breast reduction may be right for you, schedule a private consultation with Dr. Slack to discuss your goals and concerns. He looks forward to speaking with you.